![The destruction, removal or harming of natural marine habitats such as mangroves, coral reefs, sea grass and marshes leads to a Dh20,000 fine for a first offence. Photo: Nakheel](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/F43XKQVXWCD35TET246KMWRMJ4.jpg?smart=true&auth=c3c1530c8cef717519ca0be8a7e6628ca50eec9fe3782c55de20b9118960d666&width=400&height=225)
![Spray-painted graffiti daubed on one of the rock formations at the Fossil Dunes site. The new law allows the Environment Agency Abu Dhabi to take action against graffiti. Photo: Hannah Androulaki-Khan](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/5RIKBGGTNHVXSJTCKLYJO3F3R4.jpg?smart=true&auth=51cc6698c90f9b9409c9d5dc99ac2baeb3cf8176bdc644f7a987ec2a8324342d&width=400&height=225)
![Environment Agency Abu Dhabi can issue fines to those who discharge toxic waste. Getty Images](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/G3XCBIWCVJG2PN6FYB2SCANKEY.jpg?smart=true&auth=76305fd8ca7b8ea44fddaade446514b1495a48ad8046c35d04d12084137541c0&width=400&height=225)
![Spearfishing using compressed air cylinders and surface air supply tubes without a licence from the EAD is punishable with a first-time fine of Dh20,000. Getty Images](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/IKJWUOZOS5FM5H72FIV6SORDEY.jpg?smart=true&auth=bfb6209de05e0e3bb9176d7a492370d1895d008defb24009364ea176ab26d8a8&width=400&height=225)
![The discharge of polluted 'non-degradable materials' into the terrestrial or marine environment is punishable with a fine of Dh100,000. Victor Besa/The National](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/XO4E77V24ZSGK53AY3BG7V2LLQ.jpg?smart=true&auth=3bde14e7d1591099595706db598cdce00431187847cc981ea347000e662faad9&width=400&height=225)
![The destruction, removal or harming of natural marine habitats such as mangroves, coral reefs, sea grass and marshes leads to a Dh20,000 fine for a first offence. Photo: Nakheel](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/F43XKQVXWCD35TET246KMWRMJ4.jpg?smart=true&auth=c3c1530c8cef717519ca0be8a7e6628ca50eec9fe3782c55de20b9118960d666&width=400&height=225)
![Spray-painted graffiti daubed on one of the rock formations at the Fossil Dunes site. The new law allows the Environment Agency Abu Dhabi to take action against graffiti. Photo: Hannah Androulaki-Khan](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/5RIKBGGTNHVXSJTCKLYJO3F3R4.jpg?smart=true&auth=51cc6698c90f9b9409c9d5dc99ac2baeb3cf8176bdc644f7a987ec2a8324342d&width=400&height=225)
![Environment Agency Abu Dhabi can issue fines to those who discharge toxic waste. Getty Images](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/G3XCBIWCVJG2PN6FYB2SCANKEY.jpg?smart=true&auth=76305fd8ca7b8ea44fddaade446514b1495a48ad8046c35d04d12084137541c0&width=400&height=225)
![Spearfishing using compressed air cylinders and surface air supply tubes without a licence from the EAD is punishable with a first-time fine of Dh20,000. Getty Images](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/IKJWUOZOS5FM5H72FIV6SORDEY.jpg?smart=true&auth=bfb6209de05e0e3bb9176d7a492370d1895d008defb24009364ea176ab26d8a8&width=400&height=225)
![The discharge of polluted 'non-degradable materials' into the terrestrial or marine environment is punishable with a fine of Dh100,000. Victor Besa/The National](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/XO4E77V24ZSGK53AY3BG7V2LLQ.jpg?smart=true&auth=3bde14e7d1591099595706db598cdce00431187847cc981ea347000e662faad9&width=400&height=225)
![The destruction, removal or harming of natural marine habitats such as mangroves, coral reefs, sea grass and marshes leads to a Dh20,000 fine for a first offence. Photo: Nakheel](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/F43XKQVXWCD35TET246KMWRMJ4.jpg?smart=true&auth=c3c1530c8cef717519ca0be8a7e6628ca50eec9fe3782c55de20b9118960d666&width=400&height=225)
Abu Dhabi's environmental inspectors given power to issue fines of up to Dh1 million
Penalties can be reduced by up to 25 per cent if the offender makes efforts to reverse the damage
![Gillian Duncan](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/https%3A%2F%2Fs3.amazonaws.com%2Farc-authors%2Fthenational%2F736ebb26-e270-44c5-96a2-80452d783888.png?smart=true&auth=6b2c4dc0614f332daaa4e848c41f090496fd16da3ccccaa940132372e6a74710&width=70&height=70)
Gillian Duncan
February 07, 2022
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